Video by Patty Stocker
With the number of COVID-19 related deaths topping the half million mark in this country as of February 23, 2021, Westford Health Director Jeff Stephens talks with WestfordCAT’s Patty Stocker about the need to stay diligent adhering to the state’s safety guidelines – wear a mask, social distance, hand wash, stay home as much as possible, and quarantine when needed. And although vaccines have been rolling out, Stephens reminds residents that “we see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is a long tunnel”.
As with many local communities, Westford has had difficulty securing more of the vaccines as the dose supply in the state is limited. “There are mass vaccination sites that people can register for at mass.gov”, said Stephens. “The town of Westford is very frustrated that we haven’t been able to get more of the vaccine but we share frustration with many, many other communities because it has not been sent to us. We know our population the best; we have the capabilities and tools. We’ve been training for years on this.”
Stephens is working on collaborating with other local towns to have a central vaccination site when more doses of the vaccine rollout.
If anyone is having difficulty finding a mass vaccination site or is having trouble with registering, Stephens urges them to call the state at 2-1-1 or to contact the Cameron Senior Center at 978-692-5523. The Westford Health Department is also providing guidance on obtaining the vaccine. They can be reached at 978-692-5509.
